Herb-Infused Spaghetti Squash with Sweet Onions and Garlic
Indulge in this delightful and nutritious dish featuring spaghetti squash, a fantastic low-carb alternative that effortlessly absorbs the robust flavors of sautéed sweet onions, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs. This dish not only celebrates the comforting essence of rosemary, sage, and thyme but also elevates the sweetness of caramelized onions, making it a perfect accompaniment for any meal or a satisfying standalone meal. Topped generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a hint of nutmeg, it offers an irresistible medley that promises to impress family and friends alike. Perfect for six servings, this recipe is both a nourishing side and a standalone dish, sure to keep you coming back for more.
6
Servings
53
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti squash
3 lbs (sliced in half and seeds and fiber removed)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (divided)
Fresh sage or fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (fresh minced)
Onion
1/2 (finely sliced)
Parmesan cheese
to taste (freshly grated for garnish)
Black pepper
to taste (fresh ground for garnish)
Nutmeg
to taste (fresh grated (optional))
Salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Start by microwaving the halved spaghetti squash cut side down on a microwave-safe plate. Cook on high for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the strands easily separate with a fork.
2
While the squash is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are lightly caramelized.
3
Next, add the minced garlic to the pan, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the fresh herbs (sage or thyme) and let them cook with the onions and garlic for another minute.
4
Once the squash is ready, carefully remove it from the microwave and use a fork to scoop the strands into the frying pan with the sautéed mixture. Toss everything together gently to evenly combine.
5
Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the dish, and toss again. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg if desired.
6
To finish, serve warm topped with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful dish!
Nutrition Information
3.33g
Fat
5g
Carbs
1.67g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Spaghetti Squash with Sweet Onions and Garlic?
It is a nutritious, low-carb dish featuring spaghetti squash tossed with caramelized sweet onions, garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, spaghetti squash is a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, and the recipe is specifically tagged as low-carb.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 53 calories.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What are the primary herbs used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for fresh sage or fresh thyme.
How long do I need to microwave the spaghetti squash?
Microwave the halved squash cut side down for about 20 minutes until tender.
What size spaghetti squash should I use?
The recipe requires one 3 lb spaghetti squash.
How do I prepare the squash before cooking?
Slice the squash in half and remove the seeds and fiber before microwaving.
How do I know when the squash is finished cooking?
The squash is ready when it is tender and the strands easily separate with a fork.
How much olive oil is needed?
A total of 1/4 cup of olive oil is used, divided throughout the cooking process.
How long should the onions be sauteed?
Sauté the finely sliced onions for about 5 minutes until they are lightly caramelized.
When should I add the garlic to the pan?
Add the minced garlic after the onions have sauteed for 5 minutes, then cook for an additional 2 minutes.
What kind of cheese is recommended for garnish?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended to top the dish.
Is nutmeg a required ingredient?
No, freshly grated nutmeg is an optional seasoning to taste.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 3.33g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
Each serving contains 5g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 1.67g of protein.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While the recipe specifies fresh sage or thyme for the best flavor, dried herbs could be substituted in smaller amounts.
How should the onion be prepared?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of an onion, finely sliced.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 3 fresh minced garlic cloves.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and an easy meal.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it can be served as a nourishing side dish or a satisfying standalone meal.
How do I extract the 'spaghetti' strands?
Use a fork to scoop and scrape the strands out of the squash skin.
What seasonings are used in this dish?
The dish is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and optionally nutmeg.
Is the spaghetti squash baked or microwaved?
In this specific recipe, the squash is microwaved for speed and ease.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features tender squash strands combined with soft, caramelized onions and aromatic herbs.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I finish the dish before serving?
Drizzle with remaining olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and top with Parmesan cheese.
Can I use both sage and thyme?
The recipe suggests fresh sage or fresh thyme, but you can use a combination if you prefer.